On a recent trip, I had the chance to tour the art department of a local college. Being in this environment brought back so many memories. When I smelled the linseed oil in the painting studio, I was instantly transported to a simpler time. It was a time where the only thing I had to worry about was making art. Swoon!
Here are 3 lessons to revisit from your college years.
Lesson 1: Serious artists have a dedicated studio space.
Remember when you were a senior, and a dedicated studio space was set up just for you? How special did you feel? If you haven’t set up a dedicated space for making art in a while, it’s time to start planning!
Lesson 2: You were asked to write a philosophy for a reason.
In college, you were asked to come up with a philosophy of education, create a body of work, and address important issues. Now, it can seem tricky to eat a healthy breakfast most days. Revisit your core beliefs and allow them to influence the decisions you make.
Lesson 3: Taking risks can be rewarding.
The second you land a job and have rent or a mortgage to pay it seems risk taking is a thing of the past. But in the college art studio, risk taking is prevalent! People are experimenting and collaborating all day long. How did the element of play become so distant? Take a risk, even a small one like ordering something new at a restaurant, and see how it feels. Repeat.
Feeling a bit unmotivated? Revisit the environments that once inspired you. Take in the sights, the smells, and the sounds. Take notes. Think. You will return a changed person!
What lessons did you learn in your own college art studio?
Give a shout out to your alma mater!
Magazine articles and podcasts are opinions of professional education contributors and do not necessarily represent the position of the Art of Education University (AOEU) or its academic offerings. Contributors use terms in the way they are most often talked about in the scope of their educational experiences.
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